Colin Kaepernick (7) and Aldon Smith walked off the field after the loss Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Colin Kaepernick (7) and Aldon Smith walked off the field after the loss Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Aldon Smith returns to the field in the second quarter after a 5-week hiatus and was given a standing ovation by the fans. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Aldon Smith returns to the field in the second quarter after a 5-week hiatus and was given a standing ovation by the fans. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Tramaine Brock runs back an interception in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Tramaine Brock runs back an interception in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Carlos Rogers, left, celebrates Tramaine Brock's interception with Brock in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Carlos Rogers, left, celebrates Tramaine Brock's interception with Brock in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Mike Mitchell "Kaepernicks" after sacking Colin Kaepernick in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Mike Mitchell "Kaepernicks" after sacking Colin Kaepernick in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Vance McDonald has a pass broken up by Carolina's Luke Kuechly in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Vance McDonald has a pass broken up by Carolina's Luke Kuechly in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick walks off the field after throwing an interception in the final seconds of the game. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Colin Kaepernick walks off the field after throwing an interception in the final seconds of the game. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick (7) was called for a penalty after this run in with A.J. Klein in the first half Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Colin Kaepernick (7) was called for a penalty after this run in with A.J. Klein in the first half Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Mario Manningham (82) played in his first game of the year and had several catches Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Mario Manningham (82) played in his first game of the year and had several catches Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick (7) made a throw on the run late in the fourth quarter that was out of bounds Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Colin Kaepernick (7) made a throw on the run late in the fourth quarter that was out of bounds Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Cam Newton (1) goes to recover a bad snap late in the fourth quarter that forced them to kick the ball to San Francisco Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park. less

Cam Newton (1) goes to recover a bad snap late in the fourth quarter that forced them to kick the ball to San Francisco Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Former 49er Terrell Owens made an appearance at the game and took place in the coin tossing ceremony Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park. less

Former 49er Terrell Owens made an appearance at the game and took place in the coin tossing ceremony Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Ahmad Brooks (55) gets his face mask held as he puts pressure on quarterback Cam Newton in the first quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. less

Ahmad Brooks (55) gets his face mask held as he puts pressure on quarterback Cam Newton in the first quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Brandon LaFell catches a pass from Cam Newton in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Brandon LaFell catches a pass from Cam Newton in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Tramaine Brock intercepts a pass intended for Steve Smith in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Tramaine Brock intercepts a pass intended for Steve Smith in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Cam Newton on the run from the 49ers defense in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Cam Newton on the run from the 49ers defense in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Cam Newton is sacked in the first quarter by Ahmad Brooks. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Cam Newton is sacked in the first quarter by Ahmad Brooks. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Mario Manningham is upended after a reception in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Mario Manningham is upended after a reception in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Dan Skuta pressures Cam Newton in the first quarter resulting in an incomplete. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Dan Skuta pressures Cam Newton in the first quarter resulting in an incomplete. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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The 49ers Gold Rush perform during a time out in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

The 49ers Gold Rush perform during a time out in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Frank Gore (21) met up and got by Mike Mitchell of the Panthers in the first half Sunday Nobember 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Frank Gore (21) met up and got by Mike Mitchell of the Panthers in the first half Sunday Nobember 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Greg Olsen makes a reception in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Greg Olsen makes a reception in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Eric Reid recovers a muffed punt in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Eric Reid recovers a muffed punt in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Cam Newton is pressured by Dan Skuta in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Cam Newton is pressured by Dan Skuta in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Joe Staley tries to quiet the crowd when the 49ers are in the red zone in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. less

Joe Staley tries to quiet the crowd when the 49ers are in the red zone in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Phil Dawson, right, and Andy Lee, left, watch Dawson's third field goal of the game. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. less

Phil Dawson, right, and Andy Lee, left, watch Dawson's third field goal of the game. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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The Panthers celebrate their first touchdown of the game in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

The Panthers celebrate their first touchdown of the game in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) raced around the pocket to make a short pass in the second quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. less

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) raced around the pocket to make a short pass in the second quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) raced around the pocket to make a short pass in the second quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. less

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) raced around the pocket to make a short pass in the second quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Frank Gore cuts back on a run in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Frank Gore cuts back on a run in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Mario Manningham #82 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Captain Munnerlyn #41 and Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Mario Manningham #82 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Captain Munnerlyn #41 and Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Tramaine Brock #26 of the San Francisco 49ers intercepts a pass during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Tramaine Brock #26 of the San Francisco 49ers intercepts a pass during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Frank Gore breaks free for a run against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of the 49ers' game on Nov. 10, 2013.

Frank Gore breaks free for a run against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of the 49ers' game on Nov. 10, 2013.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

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Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers throws the ball during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers throws the ball during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Phil Dawson #9 of the San Francisco 49ers kicks a twenty-five yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Phil Dawson #9 of the San Francisco 49ers kicks a twenty-five yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

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Brandon LaFell #11 of the Carolina Panthers catches the ball while covered by Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Brandon LaFell #11 of the Carolina Panthers catches the ball while covered by Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers is pressured by Tony Jerod-Eddie #63 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers is pressured by Tony Jerod-Eddie #63 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers scores on a twenty-seven yard run, breaking the tackle of Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California. less

DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers scores on a twenty-seven yard run, breaking the tackle of Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November ... more

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

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DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers scores on a twenty-seven yard run, breaking the tackle of Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California. less

DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers scores on a twenty-seven yard run, breaking the tackle of Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November 10, ... more

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

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Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Brandon LaFell #11 of the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Brandon LaFell #11 of the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers warms up before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco.

Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers warms up before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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49ers beat up in 10-9 loss to Panthers

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In a predictably physical affair featuring two of the NFL’s top defenses, the 49ers finished Sunday without three key starters and without a win for the first time since September.

San Francisco had its five-game winning streak snapped in a 10-9 loss to the Panthers, which ended with tight end Vernon Davis (concussion), defensive tackle Ray McDonald (ankle) and safety Eric Reid (concussion) sidelined with injuries.

Thanks to a lackluster offensive performance, the 49ers squandered a 9-0 second-quarter edge and Carolina took a lead it wouldn’t relinquish on a 53-yard field goal by Graham Gano early in the fourth quarter.

San Francisco, which had scored at least 30 points in five straight games, was rendered punchless by the NFL’s third-ranked defense.

Colin Kaepernick completed 11 of 22 passes for 91 yards with an interception as the San Francisco managed 151 yards, 10 first downs and three field goals, two of which were set up by turnovers. The 49ers’ second-half drives ended with four punts, a fumble and a game-sealing interception by cornerback Drayton Florence at San Francisco’s 42-yard line in the final minute.

The 49ers’ defense did its part, despite a limited contribution from outside linebacker Aldon Smith, who played just 10 snaps in his return from a five-game absence to seek treatment for a substance-abuse problem.

With the 49ers leading 9-0 in the second quarter, the Panthers’ offense emerged from a prolonged slumber after it had three punts, an interception, three first downs and 30 yards on its first four drives.

San Francisco’s offense wasn’t much more explosive in the first half. After opening the game with a 46-yard, field-goal drive, the 49ers closed the half with 58 yards and three first downs on their final six drives.

Davis and McDonald didn’t play in the second half, while Reid left with a concussion in the third quarter. Backup tight end Garrett Celek (hamstring) was also injured and the 49ers played the final three quarters with one tight end, rookie Vance McDonald.